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Breaking News: PM Key States 65 People Confirmed Dead In Quake

The Prime Minister John Key has confirmed 65 people have died today after a massive earthquake struck Christchurch. Key said: "We may be witnessing New Zealand's darkest day".

The number of people who have perished in the quake is expected to rise significantly on Wednesday.

The earthquake struck at around 12:50pm at one of the central city's busiest times. The quake registered as a 6.3 magnitude earthquake but its focal depth was shallow increasing the power of the quake. The effect was devastating. Its epicenter was only 10 kilometers south/east of Christchurch near Lyttelton Port.

Since then, aftershocks have been rocking Christchurch and the region, some measuring over magnitude 5.

Christchurch's central business district is largely destroyed. The Cathedral, a significant landmark, is wrecked, reduced to rubble, its spire has collapsed and people were inside when it collapsed.

Medical people have set up triage sites around the city, and 500 people will be spending the night in Hagley Park.

Reports suggest approximately 200 people remain trapped in buildings damaged in the quake. The New Zealand Herald reports that 180 police are on the ground and 200 more Police officers are traveling to Christchurch to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. Around 350 military personnel were assisting Police and another 250 soldiers are expected to arrive in Christchurch overnight.

The New Zealand Government has accepted help from Australia and the United States.

LIVE Chat: Live Discussion On The Christchurch Earthquake

LIVE Chat by Spectator.co.nz

Scoop invites readers to talk about the Christchurch earthquake on its new LIVE chat page.

ALSO: 6.3 Earthquake Hits Christchurch - Youtube Footage - 3News Video: Footage Of The Moment The Big Quake Struck ChCh

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